If you time it right, avoiding rush hour traffic around both cities, the 383-mile drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes less than six-and-a-half hours.

Besides, How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Seattle?

A road trip from Los Angeles to Seattle can be done in about 17 hours. If you have a couple of weeks to spare, make the most of the trip by driving along the Pacific Coastline Highway through California and Oregon and admiring the breath-taking scenery.

Keeping this in mind, How long is the scenic route from LA to San Francisco? The road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco can cover between 380 and 460 miles depending on the route you choose. The quickest route will get you there in just over 6 hours, whereas the more scenic one should take about 10 hours with a few short breaks.

What is the most scenic route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The best way to go from Los Angeles to San Francisco and vice versa is to take the legendary Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most beautiful and popular scenic roads in America, a true symbol of road trips in California.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly?

Driving might be the cheapest option for you. Even though it can take longer to drive than fly for long-distance trips, gas and lodging can be cheaper than plane tickets, baggage fees, and rental cars.

Can you drive from Seattle to LA in one day?

Tips for a One-Way Road Trip from Seattle to Los Angeles

The drive can be as little as 17 hours or much longer if you choose to take highways rather than the straightest route. You will allow you to travel along almost the entire Pacific Coast, through cities, towns, forests, and with a view of mountains in spots.

Where does the PCH start and end?

The PCH begins in Southern California at Interstate 5 south of San Juan Capistrano, and it ends at U.S. 101 in Leggett in Mendocino County. In 1887, John L.D. Roberts, M.D., founded the town of Seaside on land he had purchased from an uncle.

Is the 17 Mile drive scary?

The drive, itself, isn’t really all that scary, unless you have a fear of heights. Then parts of that drive might make you feel uncomfortable. Personally, it’s one of my all time favorite drives and I was the Nervous Nellie in the car as a child. The views are worth the effort…..

How long does it take to drive Highway 1 from LA to San Francisco?

The entire Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is about 475 miles and it can take 8 hours to drive, but you will need at least a week to fully enjoy it as you would want to stop along the way as it offers a little piece of everything that has made California popular along travelers.

What is there to see between San Francisco and Los Angeles?


Must see places on Pacific Coast Highway (Between San Francisco to LA)

  • Half Moon Bay. A quick stopover at Half Moon Bay to grab a coffee but there wasn’t much going on at the beach. …
  • Monterey. I can never get enough of Monterey. …
  • Carmel By The Sea. …
  • Bixby Bridge & Big Sur. …
  • Morro Bay. …
  • San Luis Obispo. …
  • Pismo Beach. …
  • Solvang.

Where should I stay halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco?

Some of the places halfway from SF to LA: Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, San Simeon. If you want to stop by Hearst Castle(which is a must), I think Cambria and San Simeon would be the best choices. We’ve stayed at a couple of places around there, and always enjoy it.

What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway?

  • Activities. 11 Iconic Stops Not to Miss Along the Pacific Coast Highway. …
  • McWay Falls. …
  • Santa Monica Pier. …
  • Solvang Restaurant. …
  • Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. …
  • Santa Margarita KOA. …
  • Hearst Castle. …
  • Golden Gate Bridge.

What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

For us, the best times to drive the Pacific Coast Highway are from late spring, through summer, to early fall. In July and August you have the best chance of almost-perfect weather, but you also have the busiest crowds and high-season hotel prices.

Is flying better than driving?

While it may feel more dangerous to some, statistically speaking, flying is safer than driving. Annually, nearly 1.3 million people die from road crashes while the number of people who die each year from airline crashes is less than 1% of that.

Is it greener to fly or drive?

When comparing the number of emissions per person, it may seem like flying is better than driving. However, when more people share the drive, emissions per person are reduced, making driving more environmentally friendly than flying. But if you are driving cross-country solo, you are better off taking to the skies.

Is a road trip better than flying?

Traveling by car is an adventure that is even more affordable when traveling with others. Road trips are better than flying because you can split gas money with your travel companions. In case you’re traveling with family, it’s easy to calculate the difference between multiple airplane tickets and the cost of gas.

Where should I stop between Seattle and Los Angeles?


Best Stops from Los Angeles to Seattle

  1. Los Angeles, CA. 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, map. …
  2. San Francisco, CA. 749 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, map. …
  3. Mount Shasta, CA. Weed, CA, map. …
  4. Crater Lake National Park, OR. Weed, CA, map. …
  5. Portland, OR. 100 SW Main St #1100, Portland, OR 97204, map. …
  6. Seattle, WA.

How do I plan a road trip from LA to Seattle?


The Ultimate Seattle to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

  1. Days 1-2: Seattle to Portland. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. …
  2. Day 3: Portland Day Trips. …
  3. Days 4-5: Southern Oregon. …
  4. Day 6. …
  5. Days 7-8: Crescent City to San Francisco. …
  6. Days 9-10: San Francisco to Monterey. …
  7. Day 11: Big Sur. …
  8. Days 12-13: California’s Central Coast.

How many days does it take to drive from Seattle to Las Vegas?

With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 17 hours to complete. If possible, avoid starting the Seattle to Las Vegas drive on Thursday through Sunday, the most popular driving days.

What is considered the Pacific Coast Highway?

The Pacific Coast Highway (also called PCH) is one of America’s most famous highways (probably second only to Route 66). Stretching from the southern tip of Baja California to the top of the Olympic peninsula, the highway is 500 miles long.

Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start?

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border.

Is the 101 the same as the Pacific Coast Highway?

Known as the Pacific Coast Highway, California U.S. Route 101 (or 1 in some stretches) runs directly along the Pacific Ocean for 790 miles, from San Diego all the way to the Oregon border.

How much time does it take to do the 17-Mile Drive?

Allow three hours or more for the whole drive, especially if you stop to eat or take a lot of photographs. You can enter the 17-Mile Drive through any of four gates, where you will stop to pay the entry fee and pick up a map.

How long do people spend on 17-Mile Drive?

Frequently Asked Questions. How long does 17-Mile Drive take? Allow about three hours to explore 17-Mile Drive, especially if you stop to take photographs or eat along the way. You can enter 17-Mile Drive through the four gates, where you pay the $10.50 fee and can pick up a map of the road’s iconic sites.

How long does 17 miles take to drive?

the time it takes to travel 17 miles at 50 miles per hour is 1224 seconds. take . 34 hours and multiply it by 60 to get 20.4 minutes.